facebook pixel
New Ideal - Reason | Individualism | Capitalism
Minneapolis mass street protest

Philosophers Discuss: Is There a Right to Mass Protest?

In this episode of New Ideal Live, ARI philosophers Onkar Ghate and Aaron Smith discuss Ayn Rand’s views on mass protests in the context of the recent protests and violence following the killing of George Floyd and others.

Some of the topics covered:

  • How are the rights to free speech and peaceable assembly properly exercised?
  • Is it ever appropriate to block public thoroughfares to make oneself heard?
  • Can violence and looting be treated as “symbolic speech“?
  • How can even peaceful acts of assembly initiate force on others?
  • What are alternatives to mass protests in the streets?

Mentioned in the podcast is Ayn Rand’s essay “The Cashing-In: The Student ‘Rebellion’ in Return of the Primitive.

This podcast was recorded on June 17, 2020. Watch or listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple PodcastsGoogle PodcastsSpotify or Stitcher. Watch archived web episodes here.

Podcast audio:

Do you have a comment or question?

Share this article:

Agustina Vergara Cid

Agustina Vergara Cid, LLB and LLM, is an associate fellow at the Ayn Rand Institute and an opinion columnist at the Orange County Register.

Updates from New Ideal

Book Image  

Listen to New Ideal Live!

New Ideal Live is the podcast that explores pressing cultural issues from the perspective of Ayn Rand’s philosophy, Objectivism, which upholds the ideals of reason, individualism, and capitalism.

Subscribe here.

Ayn Rand University App

Explore unique philosophical content that challenges conventional views — in courses you can take on the go.

Available on Google Play and
the App Store.

Welcome to New Ideal!

If you like what you’re reading, be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter! You’ll also receive a FREE copy of our book, Illuminating Ayn Rand.